POLOKWANE – “Their curiosity can be seen by the scribbling on walls, playing dress-up and acting. They also sing and dance. This unrestricted exploration helps children form connections in their brain, helps them learn and is also fun,” she told Polokwane Observer.
Lekganyane said art helps to develop fine motor skills, cognitive development, language skills as well as math skills
She founded Flo Productions in 2017, which started out as an industrial theatre c mpany and then progressed into making theatre productions for children in schools.
They now also give online programmes in visual arts, dance, drama and music to young children.
“Our main focus is to enrich young artists with arts skills and give them freedom and space to explore their talents,” she explained.
Lekganyane shared that art and creativity develops well-being and helps young learners create connections between subjects.
“Creativity opportunities stimulate young children’s curiosity, creativity and imagination as well as support the development of their communication skills. Being creative helps children cope with their feelings and fears, as well as manage their emotional states,” she explained.
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the arts and culture sector have been significant economically.
“In schools we have had to cut numbers in extra mural activities and put a hold on theatre productions to ensure social distancing. Children are not the same. Some thrive academically and others thrive either creatively or artistically. Those creative children have been pushed to the side and do not feel as successful as they were when they were expressing themselves artistically. Now more than ever, those children feel lonely,” she added.
Lekganyane urged parents to let children explore different kinds of art such as YouTube videos, online classes and books that can help nurture and teach them more skills.
She runs art programmes during school holidays. “We had a programme these past holidays called Arts and Crafts in a Box. I provided material for five art projects and we did the projects online for a week in the comfort of the children’s homes. This was fun and safe for the kids,” she said.
The next programme will be during the September/October holidays and the last one for 2021 will be in the second week of December. You can send her a WhatsApp message on 082 681 4337 or email ftlekganyane@gmail.com.
She can also be reached on Facebook at FloProductions or Flora Lekganyane.
